Several Manchester United players might remember 2015 as their annus horribilis when they reflect on their careers in retirement. The year Louis van Gaal reminded time-served Reds of Dave Sexton and Norwich won at Old Trafford , United supporters - and players - might be glad to see the back of 2015.

Some in red did excel, though.

Rob Dawson: David de Gea

Chris Smalling pushes him close, especially after his start to the season. But it's difficult to look past David De Gea as United's player of 2015. He's been busy, and you could argue United wouldn't have finished in the top four last season if he hadn't been in goal.

The way he's returned to the team after his botched move to Real Madrid should only heighten the regard fans hold him in.

De Gea made one particularly superb save at Watford

James Robson: David de Gea

Can’t imagine there’ll be too many United fans arguing with this one.

The Spanish goalkeeper is the only player at Old Trafford who would get into almost any team in the world.

Over the past 18 months De Gea has established himself alongside Manuel Neuer as the finest in Europe.

Without him United would almost certainly have missed out on the top four last season.

Van Gaal’s evermore cautious approach this term means he’s been less required to produce the spectacular, but pound-for-pound, he remains the best player at the club.

De Gea helped United qualify for the Champions League

Samuel Luckhurst: Chris Smalling

At the risk of pedantry, De Gea's brilliance in 2014-15 mainly came in the first half of that campaign. There were magnificent moments in the new year - most memorably the denial of Glenn Murray at Crystal Palace - however Smalling has arguably performed more consistently in 2015.

Smalling started the year terribly at Stoke, where he looked no more reliable than Jonny Evans or Phil Jones. Despite the odd blip, though, he has developed into the defender Sir Alex Ferguson envisaged he would become since that 'stupid' red card at City last year.

Smalling has become one of the best centre-backs in Europe

The 'Maidstone Maldini' was combative at Anfield in March, possibly providing the money moment of a game laden with incidents when he ridiculed the irascible Mario Balotelli in front of baying Scousers. Smalling, often accused of timidity, suggested he was anything but as he showed the courage of Robson and Whiteside.

Van Gaal surreally started with Jones and Daley Blind for United's four-game pre-season tour. Jones' monthly injury allowed Smalling to start the season and, without De Gea behind him, he established himself as the defence's leader and many Reds reckon he should now inherit the captain's armband.